Equity & Inclusion Leadership Certificate
Are you wanting to make a meaningful difference at Illinois—and beyond?
Curious about how identity, power, and justice shape our campus community?
Do you want to develop the skills to lead with equity, empathy, and awareness?
The Equity & Inclusion Leadership Certificate (EILC) is a 7-month, co-curricular program designed to help Illinois undergraduates develop foundational knowledge, self-awareness, and skills related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice.
Open Info Sessions:
In Person Info Sessions will take place in room 228 at the University YMCA.
1001 S. Wright St., Champaign (across the street from Lincoln Hall)
- Monday, September 8, 2025 | 5:00 - 6:00 PM | University YMCA, Room 228
- Thursday, September 11, 2025 | 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Virtual (Register here to receive Zoom link)
- Monday, September 15, 2025 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM | University YMCA, Room 228
Please feel free to attend one of these information sessions to learn more about the program and ask any questions!
Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are open until Wednesday, September 17, 2025!
By completing the EILC program, students will be able to:
- Define key concepts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (e.g., social justice, identity, intersectionality, privilege, oppression, cultural humility).
- Describe the historical and systemic roots of inequity in higher education and broader society.
- Identify institutional and societal structures that perpetuate inequity and exclusion.
- Recognize the role of identity in shaping lived experiences and opportunities.
- Design and implement a project or initiative that promotes equity and inclusion within the Illinois campus community.
Why complete the certificate program?
Students who complete the EILC program will be recognized at our annual Social Justice Awards ceremony and receive an official badge that can be added to their LinkedIn or other networking profile.
Monthly Cohort Meetings & Reflections
Engage in group learning and guided self-reflection to deepen your understanding and commitment to inclusive leadership.
Each session explores a core theme:
-
Introduction to Equity, Inclusion, and Identity
-
Power, Privilege, and Systems of Oppression
-
Allyship, Communication, and Bystander Intervention
-
Historical Roots of Inequity
-
Global Inclusion and Cultural Humility
-
Inclusive Leadership & Civic Responsibility
-
Applied Equity in Campus Settings
Peer Dialogic Circles
Build community and foster dialogue around identity, privilege, and social justice in a supportive peer-led space.
Mentorship
Receive guidance and support from Diversity & Social Justice Education staff throughout your journey.
Capstone Project
Apply your learning through a self-designed initiative that promotes equity and inclusion on campus.
Examples include: social media campaign, workshop, performance, art installation or exhibit, policy proposal
Students will then have the opportunity to create a poster and present their work at our annual Social Justice Awards ceremony.
Recognition
Students who complete the program receive an official certificate and a digital badge to showcase their leadership and commitment to equity.
Applications for the 2025-2026 cohort are open through Wednesday, September 17, 2025!
FAQ
Who is eligible for the EILC program?
Illinois undergraduate students
How long is the program?
The program takes place over one academic year (Fall + Spring semester).
What is the time commitment?
One 2-hour monthly session + capstone work (this depends on the type of project, but anticipate ~8-10 hours of work over the course of the year). Participants will also be asked to complete a brief reflection (~250 words) after each monthly session.
What are the completion requirements?
Participants must complete the following requirements to receive their certificate:
- Attend at least 6 of the 7 sessions
- Submit monthly reflections
- Complete capstone project
Is this for credit?
No, you cannot receive academic credit for completing the EILC program.
However, you will receive an official certificate and digital badge upon completion. The digital badge certification may be displayed on your LinkedIn or other networking profile.
Is there a cost to participate?
No, there is no cost to participate in the EILC program.
Will there be food?
Absolutely! There will be a meal served at each monthly session.
Who can I contact if I still have more questions?
You can contact the Diversity & Social Justice Education office by emailing dsje@illinois.edu.
We will follow up as quickly as possible, but please allow up to 3 business days for a response.